Huano Acacia vs. Dareu Mahjong

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Mahjong, both of which are linear switches. The Acacia is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a smooth and consistent feel right out of the box. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong switches stand out with their distinctive green and white color scheme, offering a lively, poppy sound signature that provides an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. This switch is also characterized by its bouncy, mild, neutral, and polished feel, appealing to users who appreciate a more dynamic typing sensation. While both switches offer compelling features, your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Huano Acacia Linear

Dareu Mahjong Linear

$3.39 per 10

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Huano Acacia and the Dareu Mahjong, we see distinct materials used for the top housings but a shared choice for the bottom housing. The Huano Acacia utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, while the Dareu Mahjong is made from POK material. Polycarbonate is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. Conversely, the POK material, though smooth and highly durable, provides a different auditory experience characterized by a clacky sound. The translucent quality of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it particularly sought after for designs that benefit from illumination. In contrast, the POK material's greater durability and lower friction contribute to a different tactile experience and sound profile, giving the Mahjong switches a distinct character.

While the top housing materials introduce variability in sound and tactile feedback, both the Acacia and the Mahjong employ nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon, a classic choice for switch materials, favors a deeper and fuller auditory presentation due to its relatively soft nature; it has sound-absorbing properties that create a duller, rounder profile. This alignment in bottom housing not only ensures that both switches invoke similar low-end sound characteristics but also leads to a familiar typing feel, where the impact of the bottom housing plays a crucial role in the overall sound during key presses and releases.

Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials illustrate how each switch might perform uniquely while still sharing some fundamental acoustic characteristics due to identical bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate top of the Acacia may yield a crisp release sound, while the POK top of the Mahjong introduces a more vibrant clack; however, when bottoming out, users of both switches are likely to perceive that rich, deep thump inherent to nylon. Thus, the interaction between different materials underscores a nuanced blend of sound profiles and typing experiences, showcasing the essential role that material selection plays in the design of mechanical key switches.

Weight

When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, it is evident that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Acacia's bottom out force is specified at 55 grams, indicating that it provides a slightly firmer resistance when fully pressed down, enhancing the typing experience for those who favor a more substantial feel. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch lacks a defined bottom out force, leaving users without clear information on its resistance upon full depression. Therefore, for those in search of a tactile difference, the Huano Acacia is the heavier option due to its discernible bottom out force, while the Dareu Mahjong, with an unspecified bottom out resistance, may leave users uncertain about the overall push feel. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lighter typing experience, both switches can meet that need, but the Acacia offers better clarity in performance.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch, the Acacia has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Mahjong measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Acacia the longer option by 0.1 mm. For gamers or those seeking quicker response times, the Mahjong might be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, leading to faster actuation. Conversely, the Acacia's greater depth may provide a more substantial feel for users who prefer a more traditional keypress experience. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus tactile depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Huano Acacia linear switch has not been explicitly described, but typically, linear switches are known for their smoothness and quieter operation compared to tactile or clicky switches. This characteristic would suggest a more subdued sound profile that could be suitable for office environments or shared spaces. On the other hand, the Dareu Mahjong linear switch is noted for its lively, poppy sound, which suggests it has a more pronounced auditory feedback upon actuation. This playful sound can create a more dynamic typing experience, making each keystroke feel more engaging, though it may be slightly less appropriate for quieter settings.

When considering the feel of these two switches, the Huano Acacia switch is praised for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, resulting in a comfortable and stable typing experience. This combination can lead to a fluid keystroke with minimal distraction from extraneous movement. In contrast, the Dareu Mahjong switch offers a bouncy feel, described as having a spring-like, elastic feedback that's lively and engaging. In addition to this bounciness, it provides a mild typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a gentler touch. Coupled with a polished finish due to quality materials and lubrication, the Mahjong switch promotes smooth key travel, leading to a satisfying tactile sensation with each press.

In conclusion, while both switches have their unique attributes, they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Huano Acacia offers a more subdued, straightforward typing experience with stable characteristics. Meanwhile, the Dareu Mahjong stands out with its lively auditory feedback and enjoyable springiness. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer a smoother, quieter experience or a more poppy and dynamic one, as both approaches can lead to enjoyable typing outcomes depending on your individual tastes.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Dareu Mahjong linear switch ultimately depends on the typing experience and aesthetic preferences you seek. If you value a medium-light actuation force with a refined, polished feel and excellent factory lubrication, the Acacia is an ideal choice. It provides a smooth and satisfying typing experience right out of the box, making it suitable for those who engage in long typing sessions or prioritize comfort during general use. On the other hand, if you are drawn to a livelier, bouncy key feel and a unique sound signature that adds character to your typing, then the Mahjong switch may be the better option for you. Its neutral sound profile and mild characteristics can complement a variety of environments, whether you’re at home or in an office setting. Additionally, the distinctive color scheme and playful feedback of the Mahjong switches might appeal to your personal style. Ultimately, consider what aspects of a switch matter most to your typing habits and environment, and choose accordingly.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Acacia Linear

$3.39 per 10

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Dareu Mahjong Linear

$8.89

$5.79 per 10

Learn more